The Poem Wants to be Heard

The Poem Wants to be Heard

(Poet Tim Seibles and jazz bassist/composer Chris Brydge. Photo by Jennifer Fish.)  By Tom Robotham  Most of us, I suspect, were introduced to poetry through the written word, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. And yet, when we read poems in silence—in the...
Lessons From The O’Jays

Lessons From The O’Jays

(Eddie Levert of The O’Jays) By Jeff Maisey The O’Jays are one of America’s most beloved old school soul and R&B groups.  You no doubt know the songs from radio play and television commercials: “Love Train,” “I Love Music,” “Use Ta Be My Girl,” and...
Justin Kauflin Headlines The Z

Justin Kauflin Headlines The Z

(Justin Kauflin performing at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy. Photo by Andrea Palmucci.)  By Jerome Langston The first time I heard acclaimed jazz pianist and composer, Justin Kauflin, actually play — was in support of legendary jazz vocalist, Sheila Jordan, whose...